Virtual Hearings

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

The Lewisville Municipal Court now offers an eCourt Appearance. Dispose of your case by video conference with the Judge on your computer or mobile device.

Requirements

You must already have been scheduled for a court setting where the notice shows the option to appear virtually or if you still need a court setting you will need to come to the court offices to be scheduled a specific date and time for eCourt court appearance.
At your assigned date and time, open the Zoom App on your computer or device and enter in the Meeting ID number listed on your court setting notice.
If you are not able to appear as ordered, you must contact the court before your scheduled court date to discuss your options and/or request a continuance.
Please have your citation number and photo ID available. To use this option, you must have a webcam/built-in camera with sound and video on your device to appear at eCourt. You must also install the Zoom App on your device before the video conference begins if you do not already have the app.
A defendant will be considered as Failed to Appear for their scheduled docket, if they have not checked in with the court clerk no later than 15 minutes from the start of their scheduled docket.

Please review this informative video before you attend your hearing.

^{PLEASE NOTE: While the Court will make every effort to dispose of your case(s) via eCourt, it may not be possible in all circumstances and an in-person appearance may be required.}

Things to Remember:

Virtual Courtrooms are the same as Actual Courtrooms and the same rules and procedures apply.

If you do not follow Rules of Courtroom Conduct, the Court Bailiff will remove you from the virtual courtroom until you comply.

Proper clothing is strictly enforced - Inappropriate clothing or attire will not be permitted. The eCourt Dress Code is the same as if you were appearing in-person in the courtroom.

Avoid background noise and distractions – Make sure your environment is most favorable to attend court by video. Turn off and put away other devices (T.V., radio, etc.) so you can give your full attention to the proceedings.

Do not record these proceedings.

Show proper respect for the process – this is a formal proceeding. The judge and court personnel will be respectful to you. You are expected to be respectful in return.

To Appear via eCourt Appearance option, you must have:

A device capable of accessing an internet connection (PC, MAC, Smart Phone, Tablet, etc.).

A fast and stable internet connection.

A webcam attached to your PC or a built-in camera on your device that will allow the Judge to see you during the video conference.

A microphone (built-in or attached) that will allow you to talk to the Judge. Your device must also have speakers (built-in or attached) so you can hear what the judge is saying to you.

A working email address to send and receive documents or images from the Court.

A reliable phone number to ensure successful future contact with the Court.

An acceptable form of identification (Social Security cards and “selfies” are NOT valid forms of identification).

At your eCourt Appearance, you have several options. You can:

Enter a Plea of NOT GUILTY and request a trial by judge or jury. You will be able to speak with the Prosecutor. Please note that Jury Trials may not be held via the eCourt Appearance option and will require you to appear for trial in person at the Lewisville Municipal Court located at 1197 West Main Street.

Enter a plea of GUILTY or NO CONTEST. Defendants who plead guilty or no contest via the eCourt Appearance have the same options for payment plans, compliance dismissals, driver safety course, or deferred disposition.

Request an EXTENSION of the due dates established by a previous judgment and/or payment plan. You will need to be prepared to provide the extenuating circumstances as to why an extension is needed.

Resolve outstanding Lewisville WARRANT(S) by setting up a payment plan.

Expectations at your eCourt Appearance:

Payment Requirements:

If the Judge authorizes Deferred Disposition or Driver's Safety Course, you will be required to pay the applicable fee(s) immediately after your eCourt Appearance, unless otherwise ordered by the Judge.

If you are unable to pay your fine, the Judge may authorize an Extension to Pay or a Payment Plan. If you have no ability to pay your fine, you may request the Judge to consider alternative means to satisfy the judgment.

If the Judge authorizes a Payment Plan, you will be required to make an initial payment immediately after your eCourt Appearance. The Judge will consider your financial circumstances and prior payment history when deciding how much and when payments will be due.